Kids ‘should be counselled’ on Cup betting

Parents are being urged to use the Melbourne Cup as an opportunity to talk with their kids about the risks of gambling.

Melbourne researchers have found children as young as eight can reel off the names of multiple bookmakers after being bombarded with gambling ads during sport and horse racing coverage.

“Sometimes when kids see promotions for gambling products such as cash-back or refund offers it creates a perception that gambling is risk-free and that you can’t lose,” Deakin University public health Associate Professor Samantha Thomas told AAP on Monday.